Agreed that the Blueberry trail addition was excellent and made it feel more like a real mountain biking section. Still a very similar course feel overall, because so much of the race is the handful of big gravel climbs and descents.
The day was way more chill without the Leadville qualifier aspect. I didn’t stay after I finished because I had to dash off to a ballet recital, but I’m not sure there was an official podium or anything, just hanging out in the field with live music and food and beer (I did go back at the end to see the final finishers and get my food). Big change from Whiteface where the golden ticket ceremony lasted at least 30min.
I prefer it this way but those who came for the big event feel will be let down. I hope it can grow organically with people who care more about the racing itself and enjoy the small-town vibe.
More racers would help in other ways too: a friend who finished near the bottom of the field was alone a lot, whereas last year he would have had a lot of people to ride with. The front of the race seemed almost as competitive as ever.
